Plant Stanol/Sterol Supplements Are Available Over-the-Counter
Yes, plant stanol and sterol supplements are available over-the-counter without a prescription in multiple formats including soft gel capsules, fortified margarines and spreads, fortified beverages (such as orange juice), and various fortified food products. 1, 2
Available Formats
Plant sterols/stanols can be purchased OTC in the following forms:
- Soft gel capsules - available as dietary supplements 2
- Fortified margarines and spreads - the original delivery vehicle 2
- Fortified beverages - including orange juice and other drinks 2
- Fortified yogurt and other food products 3
Regulatory Status
- Plant sterols have "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) status in the United States 1
- The FDA has approved specific health claims for plant sterol and stanol esters related to heart disease risk reduction 1
- In Canada, Health Canada has approved plant sterols as food ingredients specifically to decrease LDL cholesterol 3
- These products have been available in Europe for over 20 years and are now widely available in Asian and American countries 4
Practical Considerations for OTC Use
Because plant sterols are available without prescription, they represent an accessible option for cholesterol management beyond traditional dietary advice (reducing saturated fat and dietary cholesterol). 3
Key Points for OTC Purchase:
- No prescription required - making them immediately accessible for patients seeking cholesterol-lowering options 3
- Cost considerations - fortified food products (yogurt, margarine) tend to be more expensive than standard versions, which may be a barrier to daily use 3
- Delivery vehicle selection - choose based on caloric content; fortified beverages or capsules are preferable to margarine for patients managing weight 2
Clinical Caveats
- While available OTC, the American Heart Association recommends that use of plant sterol-containing foods should be reserved for adults requiring lowering of total and LDL cholesterol due to hypercholesterolemia or for secondary prevention after an atherosclerotic event 1
- Products must be consumed daily to sustain LDL reductions 2
- The effective dose is 2-3 grams daily, and doses above 3 grams provide no additional benefit 1